Combination press and index table with control mechanism therefor



June 27, 1950 c. E. ADAMS 2,512,731

COMBINATION PRESS AND INDEX TABLE WITH CONTROL MECHANISM THEREFOR FiledJuly 11, 1946 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. CECIL E ADAMS BY M KWMW arr/n7June 27, 1950 c. E. ADAMS comammon PRESS AND INDEX TABLE wrm CONTROL.MECHANISM THEREFOR 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 11. 1946 FIG. 3

FIG. 9

INVENTOR. CECIL E ADAMS FIG. 11

' June 27, 1950 c. E.- ADAMS 2,512,731

COMBINATION P S AN NDEX TABLE WITH CONTROL CHAN THEREFOR Filed July 11,1946 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. CECIL E ADAMS June 27, 1950 c. E. ADAMSCOMBINATION PRESS AND INDEX TABLE wrm CONTROL MECHANISM TI-XEREFOR 5Sheets-=Shaet 4 Filed July 11, 1946 8 z/J 8 "w 62 L O 58 07% 3 i 3 6 5 4YAw-D TI- i I 7 2 4/ 6 3 6 265% I V T cecu. E Kai M? June 27, 1950 c. E.ADAMS 2,512,731

COMBINATION PRESS AND INDEX TABLE WITH CONTROL MECHANISM THEREFOR 2Filed July 11, 1946 s Sheets-Sheet 5 SOL.

\0\ f l |2 I25 I H3 135 m '07: FLUD [I202 l I IO L .h 341 MOTOR ":3? W TA Q I l r 1 130 i J' L l G I 26 I221 116 T l 32) \|o6 2 73 51 1 I384 F G2 INVENTOR. CECIL E ADAMS BY MKW Patented June 27, 1950 COMBINATIONPRESS AND INDEX TABLE WITH CONTROL MECHANISM THEREFOR Cecil E. Adams,Columbus, Ohio, assignor to The Denison Engineering Company,

Columbus,

Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application July 11, 1946, Serial No.682,974

23 Claims. (Cl. 60-9'l) This invention relates to hydraulic apparatusand more specifically to hydraulically actuated presses.

An object of this invention is to provide a hydraulic press with a workholder which is moved intermittently to successively register workstations thereon with the ram of the press.

Another object of this invention is to provide a hydraulic press with a,work holder or table which is actuated by hydraulic pressure and issynchronized with the operation of the press ram so that the movement ofthe table will occur between successive operations of the press ram andnot simultaneously therewith.

Another object of the invention is to provide a hydraulic press with anindex table, the press having a control mechanism for governing theoperation of the press ram and synchronizing the operations of the ramand the index table, the latter being driven by a fluid motor having ahydraulic circuit including flow control means for regulating the rateof operation of the fluid motor and valve means actuated by the fluidmotor for directing a charge of fluid under pressure to the controlmechanism to initiate the operation of the pressing ram when the indextable or its driving mechanism is at a predetermined stage of operation.

A further object isto provide a press of the character mentioned in thepreceding paragraph with means for adjusting the flow control meanswhereby the rate of operation of the fluid motor may be varied, the flowcontrol having a flow throttling spool responsive to a fluid pressuredrop caused by an orifice disposed in a fluid line, the

adjusting means serving to change the size of the orifice.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a fluid pressureoperated press and index table having a control mechanism which isoperative to direct fluid to either the press ram or the motor fordriving the table whereby one or the other of these mechanisms isoperated and to provide the portion of the circuit including the tabledriving motor with means responsive to the operation of the motor tochange the rate of operation thereof at certain stages in a cycle ofoperation of the table, the mechanism thus providing for slow motoroperation during table travel, rapid operation of the motor during aportion of the stationary or rest period of the table and a completestoppage of the table driving motor during another portion of the restperiod of the table while the press ram is in operation.

Another object is to provide a hydraulically operated press and indextable in which the table is intermittently operated by a. Geneva gearinghaving a star wheel and driver and providing the press and table with acircuit including control mechanism operative to direct full pump volumethe full period required by the ram in its press- 4 ing operation, thusthe table will be securely retained in position during each pressingstroke whether the time required is prolonged or abbreviated.

An object also is to provide the control mechanism of the press andindex table mentioned in the preceding paragraph with means for causingfull speed operation of the table driving motor during the movement ofthe Geneva driver from the termination of an indexing period to thepoint of stoppage and from the latter to the start of the nextsucceeding indexing period, this full speed operation of the drivingmotor serving to reduce the time elapsing between the termination oftable movement and the initiation of a ram operation.

An object of the invention also is to provide a hydraulic press with anindex table and control mechanism therefor which will cause the pressram to operate each time the table indexes or, as an alternative, toremain inoperative for one or more indexing periods.

An object also is to provide a hydraulic press with an index table andcontrol mechanism operated in part by the index table to cause the ramto remain at rest when one or more work stations are registeredtherewith, the table continuing the indexing operations until a workstation is registered with the ram at which station it is desired toperform a pressing operation. The press having such mode of operation isuseful where an insuflicient number of die sets are available to supplyall work stations or where it is dee sirable to interrupt the pressingoperation on a particular die set, for example, in the event breakageshould occur during an operating period.

Another object is to provide a hydraulic press with an index table andmeans operative during the rotation of the table to eject articles fromthe die pieces carried by the table as thedie pieces move away from orout of registration with the ram after an operation is performed on thematerials carried by the die pieces.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparentfrom the following description, reference being had to the accompanyingdrawings wherein a preferred form of embodiment of the invention isclearly shown.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a hydraulic press with an indextable formed in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a front elevatlonal view of the press shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a detail vertical sectional view taken through the index tableon the plane indicated by the line III-111' of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken through thetable on the plane indicated by the line IV--'IV of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a detail vertical sectional view taken through the controlvalve mechanism of the index table on the plane indicated by the lineV--V of Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a detail vertical sectional view taken through the index tablecontrol valve on the plane indicated by the line VI-VI of Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view taken through thevalve on the plane indicated by the line VIIVII of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic view of the hydraulic circuit employed inoperating the press and index table shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 9 is a developed view of a cam employed to operate the index tablecontrol valve.

Fig. 10 is a detail horizontal sectional view taken through a three-wayvalve actuated by the index table to cause the press ram to skip one ormore stations.

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken through the upperportion of the index table to show the mechanism for ejecting articlesfrom die pieces carried by the table.

Fig. 12 is a diagrammatic view of a modified hydraulic circuit employedwhen the hydraulic index table is used without the control mechanism 21and the ram 3|.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, the press illustrated inFig. 1 is designated generally by the reference numeral 20. -This pressincludes integral base, upright, and head sections 2|, 2!, and 23respectively, these portions of the press constituting a generallyc-shaped frame housing a fluid reservoir or tank T, a motor-driven pump24, a relief valve 25, a power cylinder 26, and automatic control valvemechanism indicated generally by the numeral 21; the power cylinder andcontrol valve mechanism being located within the head section 23 of thepress 20.

The power cylinder 26 includes a cylindrical body having a pistonchamber 23 in which a piston 33 is disposed for sliding movement. Thispiston is connected with a ram 3| which projects through the bottom wallof the cylinder through a packing gland 32 into the space between theover-hanging head and the base section of the press frame. When thepiston 30 is reciprocated in the power cylinder, similar movement willbe imparted to the ram 3i to perform useful work. The reciprocations ofthe piston 34 are controlled by the valve mechanism 21 which may be ofeither type set forth in my co-pending applications Serial Nos. 594,963and 4 respectively, the particular control mechanism selected forillustration conforming to that shown in application Serial No. 600,736.To assist in operating the valve mechanism, the ram II is provided witha rearwardly directed arm 33 which slidably engages a shipper rod 34depending from one of the movable elements 36 of the control valvemechanism. Motion is imparted to the shipper rod by the arm 33 as thepiston and ram approach the limits of their travel through theengagement of the arm with spaced collars 36 and 31 secured to theshipper rod 34. Since the valve mechanism is similar to that defined inthe co-pending application Serial No. 600,736 it will therefore only begenerally described herein, reference being had to the copendingapplication for a more detailed description.

In general, valve mechanism 21 includes a body 38 having a pair ofpiston chambers 40 and 4| formed therein, the former slidably receivingvalve element 35, which is of sleeve-like formation, and the latterslidabiy receiving a. valve spool 42. The body 38 includes a pluralityof annular grooves 43 to 48 inclusive, spaced longitudinally of thechamber 40 and the sleeve-like valve element 35 is provided withlongitudinally spaced ports 53 to 60 inclusive, which, in variouslongitudinal positions of the element 35, register with certain of thegrooves 43 to 48. A pistonlike shuttle valve 6| is disposed for slidingmovement within the sleeve element 35 to control communication betweencertain of the ports in the valve element, the shuttle valve having areduced portion to provide in cooperation with the sleeve 35 a passagewithin the same. Normally the shuttle valve is held in a lower-mostposition by a coil spring 62 disposed between the upper end of thesleeve and an interior shoulder formed in the shuttle valve.

The sleeve-like element 35 is normally urged toward a centered positionin the bore or chamber 40 also by a coil spring 63 disposed between apair of spring abutments 64 and 65 at the lower end of the chamber 40.When the sleeve and shuttle valves are disposed in this relation. therelieved portion of the shuttle valve connects ports 56 and 58 whichare, at this time, in communication with annular grooves 43 and 46formed in the body 38. Groove 43 is at all times connected with a sourceof fluid pressure comprising the tank T, pump 24, and relief valve 25through a conductor 66. Groove 46 is connected with the lower end of thepower cylinder 26 by a conductor 61. When the valve parts are sodisposed, fluid is supplied to the lower end of the power cylinder andexerts an upward force on the piston 30. To permit upward movement ofthe piston 30, fluid in the upper end of the power cylinder isdischarged through conduit 68 to annular groove 45, through ports 59.the interior of sleeve 35 and, through ports 60 to groove 48 which isconnected by passage ill with tank T. As the piston 36 and the ram 3|secured thereto approach the upper limit of their travel, arm 33 engagescollar 35 and moves the valve element 35 in an upward direction tointerrupt communication between ports 56 and the annular groove 46. Whenthis communication is fully interrupted, further movement of the ram inan upward direction will be precluded. However, before such movement iscompletely interrupted, ports 51 in the valve element 35 are registeredwith annular groove 44 which groove is connected by passage 600,736,flied May 21, 1945 and June 21, 1945, II with chamber 4i. Fluidconductor 12 extends from the chamber 4| to driving apparatus for anindex table designated generally by the numeral 13 supported on the basesection 2i oi the press frame, the fluid being supplied to theconductors H and 12 when the ram 8| is in an elevated idle position.

Referring particularly to Figs. 3 and 4, it will be observed that theindex table 18 includes a base casting 14 which is bolted or otherwisesecured to the press frame. This base casting is hollow and is formedwith a, central recess 15 for the reception of a bearing sleeve 16 whichin turn receives the lower end of a hub 11 forming a part of the starwheel 18 of a Geneva drive 80. The upper end of the hub 11 is receivedin a bearing 8| which is supported in a cover casting.

82 secured to the open upper end of the base 14. Antiirictionball-bearing assembly 83 is also disposed around the upper end of thehub 11, the bearing 83 including upper and lower races 84 and 85 whichare spaced by ball bearings 88, the assembly being clamped in place by aretaining ring 81 bolted or otherwise secured to the cover 82. The upperend of the hub 11 also receives a disk-like plate 88 which formsthework-receiving surface of the index table, this plate 88 being fastenedto the hub by screws and dowls 80 and 8|, respectively. The underside ofplate 88 is disposed in sliding engagement with a ring-like finished pad92 at the periphery of the cover 82. To effect rotary movement of theplate 88, the base and cover sections 14 and 82 are provided with asecond set of registering recesses in which a second hub 83 isjournaled, this hub forming a part of the driver 84 of the Genevamechanism. The hub 83 includes a pair of spaced laterally projectingarms 84 between which a roller 85 is mounted for rotation. As iscustomary in Geneva drives, the star wheel 18 has a plurality ofalternately disposed arcuate recesses and radial slots 86 and 91,respectively. The journals for the hub 93 are so arranged that the hubwill fit in the -arcuate recesses 96 and hold the star wheel stationarywhile the hub rotates through the portion of its travel during which thetable is idle. As the hub 83 rotates, the roller 85 will enter a radialslot 81 and transmit rotary movement to the star wheel which will inturn transmit similar movement to the disk 88, the latter beingintermittently driven as is usual with Geneva gears. When the driversection 84 of the Geneva gear is disposed in the position shown in Fig.4, the star wheel will be securely locked against rotary movement. Oneof the features of the present invention is to discontinue the operationof the table driving mechanism when the ram 3| is performing a pressingoperation. During the stationary period of the index table, the driveris maintained in the position shown in Fig. 4 in which the most securelylocked condition of the table obtains. The manner in which the driver isheld in this position will be set forth hereinafter. To effect theoperation of the Geneva driver, the hub 83 is provided with a gear 88which meshes with a pinion I00 arranged on the shaft IOI of a fluidmotor I 02. This motor is supplied" with fluid to effect the rotation ofthe table when the ram is idle between successive pressing operations,the fluid being conducted to the motor through the conductor 12 which,as previously stated, communicates with the bore H in the body 38.

To govern the operation of the fluid motor, valve mechanism indicatedgenerally by the numeral I03, has been provided. This valve mechanism iscontained within a valve body I04 supported by the fluid motor housingI00 which is in turn suspended from the under side of the governing therate of operation of the fluid motor I02 and the application of fluidunder pressure to a part of the control valve mechanism 21 to effect theinitiation of a cycle of operation of the ram 3| upon the completion ofan indexing movement of the table. I

Attention is directed to the flow diagram in Fig. 8, this diagramillustrates the connection of the conduit 12 with an annular groove I II forming a part of chamber I06 and an annular groove II2 forming a partof chamber I01. Normally the spool I08 is held in a centered position bycoil springs H3 and H4 in which position groove III openly communicateswith groove I I 4A also forming a part of chamber I06. Groove II4A isconnected by conduit H5 with the inlet of the fluid motor I02. Theoutlet of this motor is connected by line H6 with tank T, the linecontaining a fixed orifice USA and a variable orifice II1. A branch lineH8 is connected with line IIG between the orifices SA and I I1 andextends to a groove I20 forming a part of the chamber I01. The body I04has another groove I2I adjacent the groove I20, the former beingconnected by a branch line I22 with line IIG between orifice H1 and tankT. In one position of the spool IIO grooves I20 and I2I are connected sothat fluid may flow from the fluid motor I02 directly to tank T withoutflowing through the oriflce I I1. When this condition obtains, fullvolume of the pump 24 will be supplied to the fluid motor to causerelatively rapid movement of the Geneva driver 84. After this mechanismand gear 88 has rotated through a predetermined angle, motion isimparted to the spool IIO by a pushrod I23 which has a roller I24 joumaled in its upper end, the roller being disposed for engagement witha cam track I25 provided on the under surface of the gear 88. In thediagrammatic Figures 8 and 12 push rod I23 is shown as one continuouspiece while actually it is composed of two pieces as shown in Figs. 3,5, and 6, for ease in construction and assembly. Cam track I25 is soformed that the spool IIO will be held in position to connect groovesI20 and I 2| during a certain portion of a revolution of a gear 88 thenmoved to and held in a second position in which such communication isinterrupted during another portion of the revolution of gear 88. SpoolIIO will be disposed in the second position, mentioned above, when theroller I24 is engaged with the thinnest portion of the cam track 25designated as two sections and 35 of revolution in length in thedeveloped view Fig. 9. Actually these two sections are connected andform a portion of the cam track of revolution in length. At the timegrooves I20 and |2| are not in communication fluid discharged from thefluid motor I02 must pass through the orifice II1 which creates apressure drop on opposite sides of this orifice. The higher pressure istransmitted from line H0 through line H8 and annular groove I20 to aline I26 which connects groove I20 and the upper end of chamber I08.Also at this time the lower end of this chamber is connected by lineI21,

2 groove I in body 00 of the valve mechanism 21, line I20, groove 41,ports 00, and the interior or the shuttle valve with groove 40 which inturn is connected by line with the tank T. The pressure diilerentialexerted on opposite sides of the oriflce I I1 will thus be transmittedto opposite ends oi the spool I00 causing this member to move downwardlyin opposition to the spring II4 to permit a tapered section I00 on thespool to move toward a groove ISI formed adiacent the groove 4A, thedegree of movement oi the spool I00 depending upon the pressuredifferential. Due to the tapered portion I00, a variable degree ofmetered communication will be established between the grooves II4A andIII, the latter of which is connected by .line I02 with tank T. Whencommunication is thus established between grooves I A and IOI, avariable quantity of fluid flowing through line 12 will be bypasseddirectly to tank T to reduce the quantity of fluid flowing t the fluidmotor I02, thus decreasing the rate of operation thereof as well as thatof the index table. This flow control i utilized during the period ofengagement oi roller 95 in the slots 91 of the Geneva star wheel andconsequently during the movement of the table between pressing stations.

When the roller 95 passes out of any particular groove 91 the cam trackI25 will cause the movement of the spool I I0 to a position to againestablish communication between grooves I and I2I. At this time rollerI24 will be riding on the intermediate level of the cam track designatedin the developed view Fig. 9, as 105 of revolution in length. Whencommunication is re-established between grooves I20 and I2I the pressuredifferential will be dissipated, permitting spool I00 to again resumeits centered position. When this condition obtains, full pump volumewill again be directed to'the fluid motor I02 to resume the rapid rateoi operation of the motor, the driver 04 and gear 98. Immediately priorto the time that the Geneva driver reaches the position shown in Fig. 4,that is, the position in which the index table is fully looked, aprojection I00 on cam track I25 will cause the spool IIO to be depresseduntil communication is established between groove II2 and another grooveI04, formed in the body I04, adjacent the groove II2; this groove I04 isconnected with line I21 by a branch I05. When the spool H0 is depressedsufllciently to establish this communication, full pump volume will bedirected through line 12, grooves H2 and I04, line I21, groove 50, lineI20, groove 41, and ports 50 to the interior of sleeve 00 beneathshuttle valve 6|. Due to the restriction BIA in the central passagethrough this shuttle valve, the fluid pressure will cause the shuttlevalve to move upwardly in opposition to spring 62, to a position inwhich ports 50 and 50 will be connected to direct fluid under pressurefrom the pump to the upper end of the power cylinder 20. A cycle ofmovement of the rain will thus be initiated.

When the shuttle valve GI is in a raised position, a chamber I00 formedin the lower end thereof will be connected with the groove 46 by ports56 and fluid flowing from the lower end of the power cylinder throughchamber I00 to exhaust will be restricted by the reduced orifice SIAformed in the shuttle valve to create a back .pressure which will betransmitted to the underside of the shuttle valve to hold the same inthe elevated position. This back pressure will be transmitted alsothrough line I20, groove 00 and lines I21 and I00 to the groove I04where it will act on the upper end oi the spool I I0 to hold thiselement depressed and maintain communication between grooves H2 and I04.Although the raising of the shuttle valve interrupts the flow oi fluidto motor I02 there is sufficient overtravel or coastin 01' this deviceand the Geneva driver to permit the projection I00 to move beyond rollerI24. This overtravel is limited, however, by the restricted oriflceIISA, which oriflce also supplies suiilcient resistance to insure theflow of fluid from line 12 to I21 through grooves H2 and I04 when spoolIIO is depressed. Aiter the projection I00 moves beyond roller I24, thepush rod I20 is returned to elevated position by the back pressure ingroove I04, spool H0 and push rod I23 being formed of separate pieces topermit this action. The back pressure will also be transmitted by lineI21 to the lower end of chamber I06 and applied to the under side ofspool I08 to move the same to a position in which a land I31 thereonwill obstruct communication between grooves III and II4A. At this timerelieved portions I38 formed on the spool I08 will establishcommunication between grooves II4A and I01 and the inlet to the fluidmotor will thus be connected directly to tank T through line 5, groovesII4A and I3I and line I32. With spool H0 also depressed so thatcommunication is established between grooves I 20 and I2I, the outlet ofthe fluid motor will likewise be connected with tank T and the fluidmotor will therefore remain idle, this condition will be maintainedduring the continuation of the back pressure which will be the full timethe ram is moving downward. Since no driving force is transmitted to theGeneva driver, the star wheel and table will be held in locked position.At this time a work-receiving station on the index table will be inregistration with the ram II.

After the cycle of operation of the ram has been initiated, ram movementwill be continued until the ram engages an obstruction ofleringsuflicient resistance to prevent further movement. or the arm 33 engagescollar 01 and moves sleeve 05 to a, lowered position wherein the groove45 will be connected with groove 40 thus discontinuing fluid flow to thetop oi cylinder 26. The ram will then stop moving and the back pressurewill be instantly dissipated permitting shuttle valve 6| to return,under the influence of spring 62, t a lowered position. When the ram isstopped by engagement with an obstruction or otherwise, the backpressure will be dissipated through the interior of the shuttle valveand spring 62 will cause the shuttle valve to return to its loweredposition. In either event, the return of the shuttle valve will cause areversal of fluid flow to the ends'oi a power cylinder and piston 30will be caused to make a return stroke. This movement causes theelevation oi ram 0i. As the ram approaches the upper limit of itstravel, arm 00 will engage collar 06 and move the shipper rod 04 andsleeve 05 upwardly until communication between the interior of thesleeve and groove 45 is interrupted. Ram movement will then bediscontinued as previously described. The upward movement of the sleeve05 eflects registration of ports 51 and groove 44 wherein fluid underpressure supplied to the control valve mechanism 21 will again bedirected through lines 11 and 12 to the table operating mechanism, thecycle of operation will then be repeated. It is important to note atthis point that valve spool 42 must be disposed in a, lowered positionwhere- '(6 in the land at theupper end thereof prevents fluid admittedthrough line" from flowing to groove and being exhausted to tank to havethe cycle of operation repeat automatically.

The rate of movement of the index table may be varied by changing thesetting of the variable orifice II1. One convenient form of orifice hasbeen disclosed in Figs. 6 and '7; this form of orifice includes a tubeI40 disposed for rotation in the body I04 and provided with a narrow,transverse slot III which may be gradually uncovered through turningmovement of the tube. As the tube is turned and more or less of the slotuncovered, the quantity of fluid permitted to flow through the slot I4Iwill be varied to change the pressure differential existing between theup and down stream sides of the orifice. If the pressure drop is large,more fluid will be permitted to bypass the fluid motor and slower tableoperation will result. The outer end of the tube I40 is provided with acontrol knob I42 to eiIect easy adjustment of the orifice.

In some instances it is desirableto have the I ram 3| remain idle whenone or more of the stations on the table are registered therewith forexample, if the table should be provided with die pieces of varioustypes and it becomes desirable to refrain from using one of the types,the ram may be forced to remain idle when this particular die piece isregistered therewith. To efl'ect this operation, the table is providedwith a 3-way valve designated generally by the numeral I43. This valveincludes a body I44 which is supported by the cover plate 82 adjacentthe edge of the disk 66. The body I44 is formed with an internal chamberI45 for the slidable reception of a spool I46, this spool being normallyheld in an outward position by a coil spring I41. When in this positionthe valve is closed and inoperative. Operation of the valve is effectedby cam element I48 removably secured to the edge of the disk 88 which,as-the disk revolves, engages a roller I50 journaled in the outer end ofthe spool I46; this cam moves the spool inwardly to the position shownin Fig. 10, wherein a groove I5I in the spool establishes communicationbetween a pair of grooves I52 and I53 in the'body I44, groove I52 beingconnected with line I21 by conduit I54, and groove I53 being connectedwith tank T. After cam I48 has moved spool I46 to open the valve I43,cam I25 depresses spool IIO to supply line I21 with fluid underpressure. Under ordinary conditions the fluid thus supplied to the lineI21 would serve to elevate the shuttle valve 6I to initiate a cycle ofmovement of the ram 3I. When the valve I43 is open, however, the fluidsupplied to the line I21 will be conducted directly to tank T. Since nofluid is supplied to the under side of the shuttle valve at this time,the ram 3I will remain idle and the index tablewill be moved to the nextstation.

When the valve I43 is open, the fluid supplied to line I21 will not holdspool IIO depressed since the fluid is under no pressure. Due to theover travel of the fluid motor and the drive of the Geneva gearing, andthe lack of pressure in groove I34, spool III) will immediately returnto its elevated position in which fluid supplied through line 12 will bedirected to the fluid motor I02 and its operation will be continuedwithout substantial interruption. If the disk 88 is provicled with a camI48 for the next station, the ram 3I will remain idle at this stationalso. If no cam I48 is provided, the fluid supplied to the line I21; bythe depression of the spool IIO, will initiate a cycle of movement ofthe ram (H and a pressing operation will be performed. The cam I48 has apair of slotted pins I56 projecting therefrom which are received inopenings I51 formed in the edge of the disk 86, the friction of thesepins in the openings retaining the cam in position. If it is desired tohave the ram perform a pressing operation at the station correspondingto any particular cam location it is merely necessary to manually removethe cam I48 to permit normal operation of the control circuit forinitiating ram operation.

In some instances it is desirable to eject formed articles from die setsafter a pressing operation has been performed. Fig. 11 illustrates onemethod of securing such ejecting operation. In the form of the inventionshown in Fig. 11, the cover plate 82 has a cam track I58 secured to itsupper surface; this cam track I58 is circularly formed and is disposedin registration with the workreceiving stations on the disk 88, the diskbeing provided at these stations with openings I60, these openingsslidably receive pins I6I which are normally urged downwardly by coilsprings I62, arranged in the die sets I63 secured to the upper surfaceof the disk 80 at the work-receiving stations. Fig. 11 diagrammaticallyillustrates the die sets I63; it should be obvious that the die setsactually employed may vary considerably from those indicated, thediagrammatic illustration being employed merely to facilitate theexplanation. The springs I62 engage an annular flange on the pins I6Iand an abutting cap piece I64 which forms a part of the die set I63.This arrangement permits the spring to urge the pins downwardly so thatthe article undergoing pressing will remain in the die set. Afterpassing the pressing station, the lower ends of the pins I6I will engagean elevation on the cam track I58 which will cause the pins I6I to moveupwardly in opposition to the springs I62. This upward movement of thepins will eject the work from the die sets and the work may be eithermanually or otherwise removed after ejection. Continned rotation of thetable moves the pins over a declining section of the cam track and thesprings I62 will cause the lowering of the pins I6I.

Fig. 12 shows a flow diagram for a hydraulic index table utilized alone.This circuit includes the reservoir T, a pump I65, a relief valve I66and a line I61 connecting these elements with the inlet of the controlmechanism I03 for the index table. The line I61 corresponds to the line12 in the circuit shown in Fig. 8. Line I68, in Fig. 12, whichcorresponds to line I21 in Fig. 8, extends to the inlet of a normallyclosed solenoid or otherwise actuated on and o valve I10, the

1 outlet of this valve being connected to tank T.

By momentarily opening valve I10 the table will be indexed one station;this indexing operation will only be repeated when valve I10 is againopened.

The circuit in the control mechanism is identical with the correspondingportion of the circuit shown in Fig. 8.

Fig. 12 illustrates the parts of the control mechanism in the positionsoccupied when the circuit is in actual operation. At this time, fluidpressure supplied through line I61 flows into groove II2, past the upperend of spool IIO to groove I34 where it exerts a force on the upperendof spool III) to hold it in a depressed position. This pressure alsois transmitted through lines I35 and I68 to the lower endofbore I06where it exerts force on the bottom of spool I08 to move the sameupwardly against the action oi spring Iii, to a position in which landI31 on the spool prevents the flow oi fluid from groove III to grooveII4, the latter being connected to groove I3I and tank T at this time.Since no fluid is supplied to the motor I02 and the inlet is connectedwith the exhaust the motor will be idle.

As in the circuit shown in Fig. 8, spool IIO, when depressed, connectsgrooves I20 and HI so that the outlet of the fluid motor l02'is alsoconnected directly to tank T.

Pressure exists in line I" because of the normally closed valve I10 andas long as this valve remains closed when the fluid pressure source isactive the fluid motor I02 will remain idle. When it is desired to causethe table to index, the valve I10 is opened to dissipate the pressure inline I68. Pressure will also be dissipated in chamber I34 and in thelower end of bore I00. Spool H will then return into engagement withpusher I23 and spool I08 will be centered in which position fluid fromline I61 may flow to the fluid motor I02. Rotation oi the motor willcause the table to index to the next station. It valve I has beenpermitted to close, the depression of spool IIO by cam extension I33will again supply fluid pressure to groove I04 and the lower end of boreI06 which pressure will retain spool Ii0 depressed and raise spool I00whereby fluid flow to the motor I02 will be interrupted as abovedescribed.

The table may also be caused to skip one or more stations when employedalone in the same manner as when used in combination with the pressingram. To eflect this operation the 3- way valve I43 is employed as beforewith the inlet thereof connected with line I60. The edge of thedisk-like table is provided with a removable cam or cams which hold thevalve I 43 open when the spool H0 is depressed by cam projection I 33.When valve I43 is so positioned pres sure will not build up in line I08,spool IIO will not be held depressed and spool I00 will not be moved upto interrupt fluid flow to motor I02. The table will, therefore, indexor move to the next station.

A branch line "I extends from the line I60 in advance of valve I10, totank, this branch line containing an oriflce I12 which permits somefluid to flow to tank but insufflcient fluid to prevent the building upof pressure necessary to hold spool I08 elevated and spool IIO depressedwhereby fluid motor I02 will remain idle with valve I 10 closed.

While a single form of the invention has been illustrated, it will beobvious that many minor changes may be made in the construction andrelation of parts without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention as set forth in the following claims.

I claim: v

1. Hydraulic apparatus comprising a source of fluid pressure; a'fluidmotor; valve mechanism for controlling the flow of pressure to saidmotor to effect the operation thereof; a rotatable work support, Genevagearing for causing intermittent rotation of said work support; a fluidmotor for driving said Geneva gearing, a second valve mechanism forcontrolling the operation of said second fluid motor,sa.id second valvemechanism having a flow control spool for governing the flow of fluidpressure from said first-mentioned valve mechanism to the second fluidmotor to regulate the rate of operation thereof, a second spool; and,means actuated by the driving gear of said Geneva gearing for movingsaid second spool to render said flow control spool operative atdiflerent stages of operation of said work support and to redirect fluidfrom said first valve mechanism back to said first valve mechanism toinitiate a cycle of operation of said first-mentioned fluid motor.

2. Hydraulic apparatus comprising a source 01' .luid pressure; a fluidmotor; valve mechanism for controlling the flow of pressure to saidmotor to eiiect the operation thereof; a rotatable work support, Genevagearing for causing intermittent rotation of said worksupport; a fluidmotor for driving said Geneva gearing, a second valve mechanism forcontrolling the operation of said second fluid motor, said second valvemechaniism having a spool valve; and, means actuated by the driving gearof said Geneva gearing for moving said spool valve to a position toredirect fluid from said first valve mechanism back to said flrst valvemechanism to initiate a, cycle of operation of said flrstmentioned fluidmotor.

3. Hydraulic apparatus comprising a source of fluid pressure; areversible fluid motor; mechanism for controlling the flow of pressurefrom said source to said motor to effect cyclical operation thereof,said mechanism having a valve element responsive to fluid pressure tomove to a position to direct fluid to said motor to cause operationthereof in one direction; means for urging said valve element to asecond position to cause said motor to operate in a reverse direction; asecond fluid motor; means actuated by said flrst motor at thetermination of operation in the reverse direction to direct fluidpressure from said source to said second fluid motor; a

work supporting table intermittently rotated by said second fluid motor;means actuated by the l second fluid motor for directing fluid pressureto said valve element o move the same to the flrstmentioned position toinitiate operation of said reversible motor in said one direction.

4. Hydraulic apparatus comprising a source of fluid pressure; a powerunit having a reciprocable ram; a work holder intermittently movablerelative to said ram; a fluid motor for driving said work holder;control mechanism for said power unit and fluid motor to causesequential operation thereof, said mechanism having a flow-directingelement operative to alternately direct fluid from said pressure sourceto said power unit and said work holder, said element being responsiveto the application of fluid pressure thereto to direct pressure fromsaid source to said power unit; and means actuated by said fluid motorfor momentarily applying fluid pressure to said flow-directing elementto initiate the operation of said power unit. 1

5. Hydraulic apparatus comprising a source of fluid pressure; a powerunit having a reciprocable ram; a work holder intermittently movablerelative to said ram to successively register stations thereon with saidram; a fluid motor for driving said work holder; control mechanism forsaid power unit and fluid motor to cause sequential operation thereof,said mechanism having a flow-directing element operative to alternatelydirect fluid from said pressure source to said power unit and said workholder, said element being responsive to the application of fluidpressure thereto to direct pressure from said source to said power unit;means actuated by said fluid motor for momentarily applying fluidpressure to said flow-directing element to initiate the operation ofsaid power unit; means for restricting exhaust anism; a work holder;fluid pressure operated means for intermittently moving said work holderrelative to said fluid motor, said valve mechanism causing fluid fromsaid pump means to flow from said valve means directly to said fluidpressure operated means when said fluid motor is idle; and meansactuated by said fluid pressure operated means at a predetermined stageof movement of said work holder for redirecting fluid pressure back tosaid valve mechanism to initiate the operation of said fluid motor.

'1. A hydraulic system having a source of fluid pressure; a reversiblefluid motor; control mechanism between said pressure source and saidmotor, said mechanism providing for forward and reverse operation andidle periods of said motor; a movable work holder; means forintermittentiy moving said work holder relative to said fluid motor,said means having a second fluid motor and Geneva gearing; and meansactuated by said Geneva gearing for changing the rate of operation ofsaid second fluid motor at diiferent stages of operation of said Genevagearing, said control mechanism interrupting the flow of fluid to saidsecond fluid motor and consequently the operation thereof during theoperation of said first-mentioned fluid motor.

8. A hydraulic system having a source of fluid pressure; a reversiblefluid motor; control mechanism between said pressure source and saidmotor, said mechanism providing for forward and reverse operation andidle periods of said motor; a movable work holder; means forintermittently moving said work holder relative to said fluid motor,said means having a second fluid motor and Geneva gearing; meansoperated by said second fluid motor at a predetermined stage ofoperation of said Geneva gearing for actuating said control mechanism toinitiate the operation of said first-mentioned fluid motor; and meansactuated by said Geneva gearing for changing the rate of operation ofsaid second fluid motor at difierent stages of operation of said Genevagearing, said control mechanism interrupting the flow of fluid to saidsecond fluid motor and consequently the operation thereof during theoperation of said first-mentioned fluid motor.

9. A hydraulic press having an index table comprising a source of fluidpressure; a power cylinder having a ram disposed for reciprocationtoward and away from said table; means for imparting intermittentmovement to said table said means having a fluid motor and Genevagearing with star wheel and driver; control mechanism between saidpressure source and power cylinder, said mechanism directing fluidpressure to said power cylinder to cause a pressing and return stroke ofsaid ram, said mechanism directing fluid pressure to said fluid motorwhen said power cylinder is idle; additional control means for saidfluid motor, said means providing for difport; a disk-like tablejournaled for rota and means actuated by the driver of said Genevagearing to cause said control mechanism to initiate a pressing stroke ofsaid ram, the first-mentioned control mechanism interrupting fluid flowto said motor during the operation of said power cylinder.

10. In a hydraulic press having an index table, a source of fluidpressure; power cylinder means having a ram movable toward and away fromsaid table; means for causing intermittent rotation of said table;control mechanism operative to regulate flow of fluid from said sourceto said power cylinder to cause cycles of operation including pressingand return strokes, said control mechanism also being operative todirect fluid to said table rotating means between cycles of operation ofsaid Pwer cylinder; and means for changing the rate of operation of saidtable rotating means when said table is stationary, said controlmechanism serving to stop the operation of said table rotating mechanismduring the operation of said power cylinder.

11. A hydraulic index table comprising supn on said support; means forcausing intermittent rotation of said table having a Geneva gear with adriver; a fluid motor connected with said driver; means for controllingthe operation of said fluid motor, said last-named means having aflow-control mechanism responsive to a pressure differential; means forcreating a pressure difl'erential; means for applying saidpressurediflerential to said flow-control mechanism; and means operatedby said Geneva gear for rendering said last-named means ineffective.

12. A hydraulic index table comprising a support; a disk-like tablejournaled for rotation onv said support; means for causing intermittentrotation of said table having 9. Geneva gear with a driver; a fluidmotor connected with said driver; means for controlling the operation ofsaid fluid motor, said last-named means having a flow-control mechanismresponsive to a pressure diilerential; means for creating a pressurediflerential; means for applying said pressure differential to saidflow-control mechanism to vary the operation of said fluid motor; andmeans operated by said Geneva gear for interrupting the operation ofsaid pressure difierential creating means.

, 13. A hydraulic index table comprising a support; a disk-like tablejournaled for rotation on said support; means for causing intermittentrotation ,of said table having a Geneva gear with a driver; a fluidmotor connected with said driver; means for controlling the operation ofsaid fluid motor, said last-named means having a flow-control mechanismresponsive to a pressure diiierential; means for creating a pressurediflerential; means for applying said pressure differential to saidflow-control mechanism to vary the operationlof said fluid motor; meansfor changing thepressure differential; and means actuated by said Genevagear for interrupting the operation of said pressure differentialcreating means.

14. A hydraulic circuit comprising a source of fluid pressure, a fluidmotor; a rotatable carrier; Geneva gearing connecting said motor andcarrier to cause intermittent rotation of the latter; control mechanismfor said fluid motor having a spool valve between said source of fluidpressure and said fluid motor; means for creating and applying apressure differential to said spool valve to govern the operation ofsaid fluid motor; and

valve means responsive to the operation of said Geneva gearing and tofluid pressure to interrupt the operation of said pressure difl'erentialcreating means and the operation of said fluid motor.

15. In a hydraulic circuit, a source of fluid pressure; a rotatablecarrier; a fluid motor; Geneva gearing connecting said motor and carrierto cause intermittent rotation of the latter; control mechanism for saidfluid motor having a flow-control device responsive to a pressuredifferential to govern the operation of said motor; means for creatingand applying a pressure differential to said flow-control device; meansoperated by said Geneva gearing for interrupting the operation of saidpressure differential creating means, said Geneva gearing operated meanscooperating with said flow-control in response to the application offluid pressure to interrupt the operation of said fluid motor; and meansfor controlling the application of fluid pressure to said cooperatingmeans and flow-control.

16. In a hydraulic circuit, a source of fluid pressure; a fluid motor;means rotated by said motor; control means for said motor connected withsaid pressure source, said control means having a flow-control spoolvalve between said pressure source and said motor, said valve beingresponsive to differential pressures to vary the operation of saidmotor; means for creating and applying a pressure differential to saidflow-control valve; a second spool valve in said control means, saidsecond valve being operated by said first-mentioned means to interruptthe operation of said pressure diii'erential creating means, said secondvalve cooperating with said flow-control in response to the applicationof fluid pressure to interrupt the operation of said fluid motor; anexhaust line leading from said motor control mechanism; and means insaid line for applying fluid pressure to said cooperating valves.

17. A hydraulic system comprising a source of fluid pressure; areversible fluid motor; control mechanism between said source and saidmotor; a second fluid motor; a second control mechanism; valve means inthe flrst mentioned control mechanism responsive to fluid pressure todirect fluid from said sourceto said reversible motor to cause operationthereof in one direction; means responsive to a fluid pressure dropwhich is dependent upon operation of said motor in said one direction tocontinue such operation; means for actuating said valve means to causereverse motor operation when operation in said one direction isdiscontinued; means actuated by said reversible fluid motor at thetermination of reverse operation to direct fluid from said source tosaid second control mechanism to cause the operation of said secondfluid motor; motor speed regulating valve means forming a part of thecontrol mechanism for said second fluid motor; a flow directing elementin said second control mechanism for rendering said speed control valveoperative and inoperative; and means actuated by said second fluid motorfor operating said lastmentioned element, said flow directing elementalso being effective when operated by said lastnamed means to redirectfluid from said source to the first-mentioned control mechanism toinitiate fluid flow to said reversible fluid motor.

18. In a hydraulic system, a source of fluid pressure; a reversiblefluid motor; control mechanism between said pressure source and saidmotor, said control mechanism having a reversing valve responsive tofluid pressure to cause operation of said fluid motor in one direction:a second fluid motor; a second control mechanism; means actuated by saidreversible fluid motor at the termination of reverse operation thereofto direct fluid from said source to said second control mechamsm toeffect the operation of said second motor; a member actuated by saidsecond motor; speed control means in said second control mechanism; andmeans actuated by said member in certain stages of operation thereof forrendering said speed control means operative and inoperative, said meansbeing operative at another stage of operation of said member to redirectfluid pressure to said first control mechanism to initiate a cycle ofoperation of said reversible fluid motor.

19. In a hydraulic system, a source of fluid pressure; a reversiblefluid motor; control mechanism between said pressure source and saidmotor, said control mechanism having a reversing valve responsive tofluid pressure to cause operation of said fluid motor in one direction;a second fluid motor; a second control mechanism; means actuated by saidreversible fluid motor at the termination of reverse operation thereofto direct fluid from said source to said second control mechanism toeffect the operation of said second motor; a member actuated by saidsecond motor; speed control means in said second control mechanism;means actuated by said member in certain stages of operation thereof forrendering said speed control means operative and inoperative, said meansbeing operative at another stage of operation of said member to redirectfluid pressure to said first control mechanism to initiate a cycle ofoperation of said reversibleadvancement of said ram; an index tabledisposed for intermittent rotation in registration with said ram; afluid motor for driving said index table; said control mechanismdirecting fluid from said source to said fluid motor at the terminationof a cycle of operation of said rain; means actuated by said fluid motorat a predetermined stage of operation of said index table forinterrupting the flow of fluid to said fluid motor and directing fluidback to said control mechanism to initiate a cycle of operation of saidram; and means actuated by said index table for selectively preventingthe directing of fluid back to said control mechanism when said means isactuated by said fluid motor.

21. In a hydraulic press, a source of fluid pressure; a. power cylinderwith a ram; control mechanism between said pressure source and saidpower cylinder, said mechanism having a reversing valve responsive tofluid pressure to cause the advancement of said ram; an index tabledisposed for intermittent rotation in registration with said ram; afluid motor for driving said index table; said control mechanismdirecting fluid from said source to said fluid motor at the terminationof a cycle of operation of said ram; means actuated by said fluid motorat a predetermined stage of operation of said index table forinterrupting the flow oi fluid to said fluid motor and directing fluidback to said control mechanism to initiate a cycle of operation of saidram; a by-pass valve; and cam means on said index table for actuatingsaid by-pass valve to prevent the directing of fluid back to saidcontrol mechanism when said means is actuated by said fluid motor.

22. In a hydraulic press, a source of fluid pressure; a reversible fluidmotor; control mechanism between said pressure source and said motor,said mechanism having a reversing valve responsive to fluid pressure tocause operation of said motor in one direction; an index table disposedfor intermittent rotation relative to said reversible fluid motor; afluid motor for driving said index table, said control mechanismdirecting fluid from said source to said second-mentioned fluid motor atthe termination of a cycle of operation of said reversible fluid motor;means actuated by said second-mentioned fluid motor at a predeterminedstage of operation of said index table for interrupting the flow offluid to said second-mentioned fluid motor and directing fluid back tosaid control mechanism to initiate a cycle of operation of saidreversible fluid motor; and means actuated by said index table forselectively preventing the directing of fluid back to said controlmechanism and re-establishing the flow of fluid to said second-mentionedfluid motor after said means is actuated thereby.

23. The combination with an index table and a mechanism for performingoperations upon bodies supported on said index table, of a variindextable.

CECIL E. ADAMS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in th I file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,188,559 Proeger June 2'7, 19161,923,204 Hirvonen Aug. 22, 1933 2,013,420 Opel Sept. 3, 1935 2,130,618Gnavi Sept. 20, 1938 2,146,482 Miller Feb. 7, 1939 2,254,992 BridgesSept. 2, 1941 2,362,054 Denison Nov. 7, 1944 2,416,860 Waldie Mar. 4,1947

